shingles

American  

[shing-guhlz] / ˈʃɪŋ gəlz /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a disease caused by the varicella zoster virus, especially by reactivated virus in an older person, characterized by skin eruptions and pain along the course of involved sensory nerves.

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shingles British  

/ ˈʃɪŋɡəlz /

noun

1. Technical names: herpes zoster.   zoster.  (functioning as singular) an acute viral disease affecting the ganglia of certain nerves, characterized by inflammation, pain, and skin eruptions along the course of the affected nerve

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shingles Scientific  

/ shĭng′gəlz /

1. See under herpes

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Etymology

Origin of shingles

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Medieval Latin cingulum, in Latin: “girdle,” from cingere “to gird, cinch” ( cincture ); translation of Greek zṓnē “belt” or zōstḗr “girdle”; zone, zoster

Compare meaning

How does shingles compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• genital herpes vs. shingles

Example Sentences

By preventing shingles, the vaccine may also help reduce the likelihood of these dangerous clotting events.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

Even so, the study's large sample size and statistical approach provide strong evidence that shingles vaccination is associated with a meaningful reduction in heart risk.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

The government of Wales made free shingles vaccines available 13 years ago to everyone in the population under the age of 80 and born after a specific date.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 7, 2026

Those taking the shingles vaccine saw a 20% collapse in their risk of getting dementia within the next seven years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 7, 2026

“Perfect,” said Helen, and he would have been, if only he hadn’t stepped through a knot in the wood under the shingles and broken his uninsured ankle.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen